What is a smash burger and why is it so popular?

They’re kind of a big deal in the BBQ world: smash burgers. And they’re incredibly photogenic too… But what exactly is a smash burger, where did this cooking method originate, and why are smashed burgers so popular these days?

Well, it’s not rocket science. Smash burgers are literally flattened burgers, ideally cooked briefly on the hottest possible griddle. The base is often made with beef, but really, anything goes. Half pork and half beef, veggie or hybrid… It all works! As long as it can be smashed…

A smash burger is made from loose ground beef or a roughly shaped ball of loosely packed meat that is pressed flat with a spatula or burger press once it is already on the hot griddle. A grill grate or frying pan works too, of course – same principle. So forget perfectly round burgers: these are messy little piles of meat smashed as flat as possible. This gives you a crispy exterior and a juicy inside. On top of that, the direct contact with the hot surface ensures quick cooking and intense flavour. In other words: the so-called Maillard reaction.

What does that mean exactly? The Maillard reaction is the reaction between natural sugars and proteins that occurs at high temperatures. This reaction gives a product its characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. In the case of smash burgers, cooking over high heat gives the meat that distinctive seared flavour and a good crust. Smashing the meat also creates even more surface area for the Maillard reaction, which means even more flavour. The meat stays nice and tender too, because it is seared only very briefly and therefore does not have time to dry out.

The smash burger originated in the States, but its exact beginnings are still up for debate. The concept of smashing burgers has been around for a long time, but the specific term ‘smashburger’ comes from the American chain called – you guessed it – Smashburger. This now-famous chain was founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, and is known for serving traditionally ‘smashed’ burgers. The chain has certainly contributed to the popularity of this cooking method, but it would be going too far to say that the smash burger actually originated there. After all, smashed burgers had already been around before that.

Another major contributor to the popularity of the smash burger is the American fast-food chain Shake Shack, founded in New York City in 2004. Shake Shack is not a pioneer or the inventor of the smash burger, but it has been an important ambassador. What started as a stand in Madison Square Park quickly became a household name thanks to the quality of its burgers. Shake Shack became known for high-quality ingredients and a cooking technique in which meatballs were smashed on the grill into flat, crispy burgers. So, very similar to the smash burger technique. The result: crispy burgers with an intense flavour. Shake Shack grew into a chain, but has always remained true to the traditional way of preparing burgers.

Anthonie Bourdain was one of the people who helped put Shake Shack’s burgers in the spotlight. The world-famous American chef, TV host and author tragically passed away in 2018, but his culinary and cultural legacy lives on and still has a great deal of influence today.

Bourdain was especially loved for his sharp observations, adventurous spirit and honest approach to food and cultures. In 2008, Anthonie Bourdain visited Shake Shack on his show ‘No Reservations’. During that visit, Bourdain praised the – already up-and-coming – chain, and especially the way its burgers were prepared. It was the proverbial push in the right direction, as the programme undeniably contributed to both the popularity of Shake Shack and the popularity of the ‘smashed burger’.

So there is no single well-known ‘inventor’ of the smash burger, but there are several influential ambassadors. And once you’ve tried this cooking method, you immediately understand why.

A good base. Quality meat with the right marbling. And of course, we’ve got that for you. In all shapes and sizes. You’ll also find various recipes on the site, including: smash burger with homemade sauce & a Cheesy Smashburger.

We can imagine you’re raring to go by now, so get your smash meat in and have at it!

ENJOY!

What is a smash burger and why is it so popular?